Of all
of the Eastern European wine producing countries there can be little doubt that
Bulgaria has been the most successful. This is due to the fine quality of the
vinification and viticulture which has produced wines from this region since
the times of the Thracians.
There
are vineyards in all parts of Bulgaria, except for the region around the
capital city Sofia. For administrative reasons the vineyards have been grouped
into five viticultural regions.
Northern
Region
This
area produces red and white wine (e.g. the Suhindol. Russe and Svishtov
wineries)
Eastern
Region
The
region which is affected by the climate from the Black sea produces mainly
white wine (e.g. Khan Krum, and Varna)
Southern
Region
This
area is best known for its red wines. (e.g. Plodiv and Assenovgrad)
South-Western
Region
This
very warm region is famous for reds (e.g. Melnik)
Sub-Balkan
Region
This
central and mountainous region it is also better for reds and is famous for
brands such as Sliven, which makes Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay
The
commercial success of Bulgarian wines dates back to 1970. This was assisted by
the world famous wine department at the University of Davis California which
succeeded in promoting what is now known as a global quality product.
International
wine lovers could recognise the familiar French and German grape varietals such
as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling and Chardonnay.
These
varietals were accompanied by the Bulgarian indigenous grapes such as the black
Gamza, Mavrud, and Melnik, and the white Misket and Dimiat.
A white
grape originally from Rkatsiteli Georgia (east of Bulgaria) is also a common
alternative.
Bulgarian
wines are graded into three different categories. This has been the result of
the implementation of wine laws which were introduced back in 1978.
Standard
Wines Basic light wines
High
Quality Wines These wines are generally without geographical origin, and are
sold under a brand name.
Special
Wines This broad band of category
includes sparkling and fruit wines
The high
quality wine category is considered to be the most important and is divided
into sub-divisions.
-
Declared Geographical Origin (DGO)
This
categorises the area of origin of the bottle of wine which can come from one of
the 43 geographical regions. The term Declared Geographical Origin (DGO) is not
printed on the label. An example of this category being displayed would be in
the following format e.g. Russe Welshriesling (Russe being the town of
production in the north of the country)
-
Controliran
This
wine is a grade higher than the DGO status and can be compared as the
equivalent of the French AC category. There are 27 Controliran wines.
This
wine must come from a specified grape variety grown from selected vineyards.
The label is required to display the variety and region. The wine must also be
approved by a tasting panel before this status can be awarded. The word
Controliran will be visible on the label.
Although
Controliran is a step above DGO and will come from a different vineyard, the labels
may share the same geographical location. This has led to situations of
confusion. An example of this is in the wine Assenovgrad Mavrud Controliran and
Assenovgrad Mavrud. The latter example belongs to the DGO category.
Other
terms that apply to Bulgarian wines are
-
Reserve
Both DGO
and Controliran can be classified as reserve wine provided that they have been
aged for a minimum period in oak (at least two years for whites and three years
for reds). The oak vats which are old and large in size tend to mellow the wine
more than creating a wood flavour.
-
Country Wine
These
wines are made from a blend of more than one grape and are designed to be
consumed whilst young and fresh. A typical example of this type of wine is
Pinot Noir or Sliven Merlot. These wines would compare with the French Vins de
Pays category.
Zagreus
Vineyard situated on the Plovdiv plainin the Upper-Thracian lowlands
(bron: http://www.bulgarianwines.com)